Friday, January 24, 2025

'Walk It Out' Rapper DJ Unk Dead at 43, Atlanta Music Scene in Mourning

Anthony Leonard Platt, known to hip-hop fans as DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper who rose to fame with the 2006 hit "Walk It Out," has died at the age of 43.

News of his passing was shared Wednesday by family and collaborators, including his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, who confirmed his death in an emotional Facebook post.

“I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father,” Long-Platt wrote. “Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.” She asked for privacy as her family processes their loss.

No cause of death has been disclosed.

DJ Unk, a pioneer of Atlanta's snap music movement, was signed to Korey “Big Oomp” Robinson’s Big Oomp Records in 2000. The label released his breakout hits, including "Walk It Out" and "2 Step," both of which became anthems of the mid-2000s.

In a heartfelt tribute, Big Oomp Records reflected on his impact. “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as ‘DJ Unk,’” the label wrote in an Instagram post. “Hit songs such as ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come.”

The Falcons, Atlanta’s NFL team, also paid tribute on social media, posting, “Rest in peace DJ Unk.”

Unk’s music, known for its high-energy beats and infectious hooks, was emblematic of the snap music era that dominated Atlanta in the 2000s. “Walk It Out” peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and its remix featured hip-hop heavyweights AndrĂ© 3000, Jim Jones and Big Boi.

Though he kept a low profile in recent years, DJ Unk openly discussed his health struggles after suffering a heart attack in 2009. In a 2010 interview with XXL, he detailed how stress and poor lifestyle habits led to his health scare.

“I got to get healthy not just for my sake, but also for my kids and for my wife,” he said at the time. The rapper emphasized his efforts to change his lifestyle, cutting back on drinking and smoking while focusing on his faith.

“Everything was so fast. Instead of praying once like before, I go twice a day,” Unk shared. “It’s a blessing to be here.”

DJ Unk’s influence on Atlanta’s music scene remains undeniable. His sound helped define a generation of Southern hip-hop and continues to inspire artists today.

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Thursday, January 23, 2025

omingo Earns Second Consecutive Best Actor Nod, Following in Denzel Washington’s Footsteps

Colman Domingo, nominated for Best Actor at the 97th Academy Awards for his role in Sing Sing, continues to make history with back-to-back Oscar nods. He is the first actor to achieve this milestone since Denzel Washington in 2018. (Photo: Courtesy of A24)


The 97th Academy Awards nominations have been announced, offering a glimpse into the year’s most celebrated achievements in film. From blockbuster spectacles to groundbreaking performances, the list reveals a dynamic field of contenders. The Oscars, set to air live on March 2, will once again take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, showcasing the best of global cinema.

This year’s nominations are particularly significant for Colman Domingo, who made history in 2024 as the first Afro-Latino to earn a Best Actor nomination for “Rustin.” Domingo has now secured his second consecutive nod, this time for his stirring performance in “Sing Sing,” a deeply moving film about the resilience and humanity of incarcerated individuals. He becomes the first actor to achieve back-to-back nominations in the category since Denzel Washington’s dual nods for “Fences” (2017) and “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (2018).

Domingo’s nomination not only underscores his immense talent but also highlights a significant shift in Hollywood toward recognizing more diverse voices and stories. He joins a competitive Best Actor lineup that includes Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), TimothĂ©e Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”).

Spotlight on Black Excellence and Representation


The 2025 Oscars are a banner year for Black artists across multiple categories. Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her powerhouse performances on both stage and screen, earned a nomination for Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked.” The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical received widespread recognition, including a Best Picture nod and a Supporting Actress nomination for Ariana Grande.

Zoe Saldaña also shines among this year’s nominees, earning a Supporting Actress nod for her performance in “Emilia PĂ©rez,” a genre-defying musical that has captivated audiences worldwide. The film, which blends themes of identity and artistry, earned multiple nominations, including for Best International Feature.

The Best Original Song category further amplifies Black artists’ contributions, with Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada’s “Like a Bird” from “Sing Sing” joining a competitive slate of nominees.

A Broader Field of Stories


While Black artists and narratives are receiving well-deserved recognition, the Oscars also celebrate diverse storytelling across genres. Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic “Dune: Part Two” leads the technical categories, earning nominations for Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound, among others. “Wicked” dazzled with its lush production, earning nods for Costume Design, Production Design, and Film Editing, while films like “Nosferatu” and “The Brutalist” showcased bold and inventive cinematic visions.

In the animated realm, “Inside Out 2” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” headline the Best Animated Feature category, reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to honoring creativity in all its forms. Documentary categories, meanwhile, spotlight urgent and compelling narratives, including “Black Box Diaries” and “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat.”

Domingo’s Legacy in the Making


As the Oscars near, Colman Domingo’s historic nomination continues to resonate. His back-to-back recognition not only cements his place in Hollywood history but also serves as a reminder of the power of representation on the industry’s biggest stage. Through performances that celebrate the complexity and depth of Black experiences, Domingo stands as a beacon of what Hollywood’s future can look like.

“I’ve always wanted to tell stories that matter,” Domingo said in a recent interview. “This recognition isn’t just for me—it’s for everyone who has ever been overlooked or underestimated.”

The 97th Academy Awards promises to be a night to remember, honoring groundbreaking achievements while pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Click here for a complete list of the nominees. 
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Diddy Drops $50M Bombshell Lawsuit Against Accuser and NewsNation

A stark contrast to today's news: Sean "Diddy" Combs presents a $1 million check to Howard University in 2023. The university revoked his honorary degree and returned the donation in June 2024, citing actions inconsistent with their values.
Sean “Diddy” Combs filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit Wednesday, against Courtney Burgess, his attorney Ariel Mitchell, and Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of NewsNation.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses Burgess and Mitchell of fabricating explosive claims that Combs possessed sex tapes involving celebrities and minors, allegations that NewsNation broadcast without verifying their authenticity.

Combs' criminal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges is scheduled for May 2025. The lawsuit contends that these accusations have severely damaged Combs’ reputation and could hinder his ability to receive a fair trial, as the claims could prejudice potential jurors.

“These fabricated claims are a blatant attempt to exploit Mr. Combs’ success and fame for financial gain,” Combs’ legal team asserted in a statement. “We are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable for their reckless actions.”

The lawsuit alleges that Burgess and Mitchell knowingly spread these false claims, and NewsNation amplified them without conducting proper journalistic due diligence. Combs’ attorneys characterize the allegations as a calculated smear campaign aimed at destroying his personal and professional life. Combs is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the lasting harm inflicted on his businesses and public image.

Burgess, who first accused Combs of criminal wrongdoing in late 2024, has not publicly addressed the defamation suit. NewsNation has declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The allegations aired by NewsNation have drawn widespread criticism for their lack of evidence. Combs’ legal team argues that the network's decision to broadcast the story without thoroughly investigating the claims constitutes journalistic negligence, with serious consequences for their client.

As one of the most influential figures in hip-hop and the founder of Bad Boy Records, Combs has cultivated a decades-long career as a Grammy-winning artist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon. However, recent legal troubles, including his September 2024 arrest on federal charges, have put him under intense media scrutiny. He has pleaded not guilty to the sex trafficking and racketeering charges and has been denied bail three times.

Legal analysts suggest this defamation lawsuit is part of a broader strategy to protect Combs' reputation amid growing controversy. The case raises important questions about media responsibility in an era of sensationalism. If Combs prevails, the lawsuit could set new precedents for how media outlets handle high-profile allegations.

While the Southern District of New York has yet to schedule a date for initial hearings in the defamation case, Combs remains in federal custody awaiting trial on the separate sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
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